"THE FINE OLD MANOR CLUB-----Pelham Manor Social Organization Nearly Forty Years Old.The Manor Club, the subject of this sketch, is situated at the corner of Highland avenue and the Esplanade, Pelham Manor. The history of this successful Club dates back to the seventies, when a number of residents banded together and formed it. Among the earliest workers were Thomas Dewitt and Henry W. Taft, brother of President Taft. In these early days they met in the homes of the members, but so large became the membership that very few private residences could accommodate them all on festive occasions.Hence the need for a building to be used exclusively as a club house. Mrs. Robert C. Black donated the ground upon which the building stands, her condition being that no intoxicating liquors should ever be used at the club house.In 1883 the Manor Club was duly incorporated by Messrs. Robert C. Black, George H. Reynolds, John H. Dey, G. Osmar Reynolds and W. R. Lamberton. The objects for which the corporation was formed were as follows: For social, musical, dramatic and literary purposes.During Henry W. Taft's term as president of the club the club house was erected. The membership totals about 150 at the present time, the annual fee being $12. Once a month a ball is given and every Saturday night entertainments of music, dancing, etc. take place.The club house has fine bowling alleys, billiard rooms, card room, and reading room. Greatly enjoyed and much used are the four tennis courts erected upon the grounds. The present Board of Directors consists of: W. K. Gillette (president), C. F. Roper (secretary), W. B. Randall (treasurer), Edgar C. Beecroft and J. F. Longley. The club is self-sustaining and is quite a factor in the social life of Pelham Manor.--Pelham Sun."Source: The Fine Old Manor Club, New Rochelle Pioneer, Jul. 23, 1910, p. 6, col. 1. Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

0 Comments:

About Me

Blake A. Bell is Town Historian and a member of the Town Council of Pelham, NY in Westchester County. He is a member of the Boards of Trustees of the Westchester County Historical Society (past member of the Executive Committee), and the Society of the National Shrine of the Bill of Rights at Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site (Chair). He served as the editor and publisher of the award-winning HistoricPelham.com Web site. He is the author of two books regarding the history of Pelham: (1) "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak" (iUniverse 2004); and (2) Town of Pelham's 350th Anniversary Celebration: Historian Blake Bell's Articles Published in The Pelham Weekly Plus Photos of Key Events (Pelham Weekly 2006). In addition, he is the author of more than 80 published articles on Pelham history and is a frequent speaker on matters relating to the history of Pelham and surrounding areas. Mr. Bell is Senior Knowledge Management Counsel with 850-lawyer Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in New York City.